Rahane backed to find form in SA
Prasadsays
FINDING FEET India Test vicecaptain is seasoned enough to sort out batting issues, says chief selector MSK Prasad MUMBAI/KOLKATA:
India will have to hit the ground running on the South Africa tour in more ways than one with the first Test starting in Cape Town on January 5.
While skipper Virat Kohli, who had a phenomenal 2017 with the bat, will resume after a break to get married, his teammates too will be braced for anything the Proteas can throw at them.
India will be particularly anxious as the packed schedule – the Sri Lanka tour ends only on Dec 24 – left them with little time for training sessions in the build-up to the three-match Test series.
A vital cog in the Indian batting line-up, Ajinkya Rahane, goes to South Africa after a dip in form. He made just 34 runs in his last four Tests, across six innings – all against a weak Sri Lanka.
The Test vice-captain’s weakness against spin is known, but some of his shots suggested desperation born out of a lack of confidence. However, Rahane is a proven performer in bouncy overseas conditions.
Former India limited-overs batsman, Robin Uthappa, feels Rahane will bounce back to give a good account of himself against Dale Steyn and Co.
“There comes a bad patch in every cricketer’s career, even the great Sunil Gavaskar went through it. The sooner his lean patch ends its better for Indian cricket,” he told reporters in Mumbai.
“I suppose he should just keep playing. I am sure the selectors have enough faith (in him), which is why they are continuing with him. I wish him to get back to his form very soon and score lots of runs.”
India chief selector, MSK Prasad, too is not concerned about Rahane’s current lean patch.
“We’re not worried. When we go abroad, he is a key player. If you see his performances abroad… He has got runs across the world. I am absolutely not worried. He is above these things; he has played enough years to tackle these situations.”
Prasad chose to focus on the solid pace attack the visitors will be unleashing against South Africa. Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ishant Sharma as well as Jasprit Bumrah, in the form of On Ajinkya Rahane’s poor form
the extra 17th player in the squad, present plenty of options for Virat Kohli.
Besides, India have a genuine seam-bowling all-rounder in Hardik Pandya this time.
“I can’t comment on the opposition bowling attack, but from On India’s pace bowling
our perspective, we’ve one of the best bowling attacks that has toured South Africa,” he told reporters in Kolkata on Thursday during Vidarbha’s defeat of Karnataka in the Ranji Trophy semi-final.
“It’s a wonderful bunch, and more importantly we are going with the No 1 Test tag. The confidence we have with so many victories in Test matches, though they have come at home… going on a winning note is always good. So, I am sure this is one of the most balanced teams we have,” the ex-India stumper said.
Bumrah, the impact bowler in limited-overs cricket, has been chosen for the variety he brings while the selectors have been conscious not avoid any injury to the main pacers by picking
Ankit Rajpoot, Basil Thampi and Avesh Khan as net bowlers.
“Umesh and Shami might be hitting 140 kph but they still swing the ball. Bhuvi can swing the ball either way… Ishant is there always and Hardik adds that different dimension.”
If you see his performances abroad… He has got runs across the world. I am absolutely not worried. He is above these things. I can’t comment on the opposition attack, but from our perspective, we’ve one of the best bowling attacks that has toured South Africa.
Team Afg
Ind Pak Net Aus Eng Matches Win loss Draw N/R Success%
SA NZ WI SL